ARCHIVED - April 15 Free guided tour in Spanish of the historic city centre of Lorca
This Spanish language tour highlights various beautiful buildings and monuments in the centre of Lorca
Route name: El Casco Antiguo de Lorca 2023
Lorca is a city rich in history, its strategic position above the Guadalentín Valley having attracted human settlers for thousands of years. The municipal archaeological museum shows a wide selection of artifacts dating back into prehistory, tracing the various settlements which left remains in Lorca: The Argarics, Iberians, Moors, Jews and Christians. The imposing medieval castle dominates the skyline, the 15th-century Jewish synagogue just below it still survives intact, and the city at its foot filled with ornate Baroque buildings.
On this tour an official regional tour guide shows visitors the most important historical buildings in the old quarter of central Lorca, including those in the Plaza de España and the Plaza del Caño, such as the Ayuntamiento, the ex-Collegiate Church of San Patricio and the Casa del Artesano.
The tour is in Spanish, but there is plenty to see, leaflets are available in English from the tourist office, and once armed with a map and this basic orientation, the city can be revisited at any time and the locations explored at leisure.
The 90-minute visit leaves from outside the Tourist information point in the Plaza de España at 17.00, and booking is essential as places are limited, so contact the Tourist Office if you’d like to go or book directly using the booking system which can be found here.
(N.B. The tourist office is able to arrange English-language tours for groups by prior arrangement and offers this visit in English from time to time: see the What’s on section of Lorca Today for scheduled dates).
For more information about what to see, what to do and where to eat and drink in Lorca visit the home page of Lorca Today.
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today





























